Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane insists he cannot worry about players getting injured ahead of the Champions League final as he attempts to claim second place in LaLiga.
Third-placed Real head into Wednesday night’s trip to Sevilla knowing victory would ease them ahead of city rivals Atletico, if only on goal difference, with two games remaining.
Runaway leaders Barcelona have already clinched the title, although Zidane’s men are looking to claim a third successive Champions League success when they meet Liverpool in Kiev on May 26.
However, despite losing star man Cristiano Ronaldo to an ankle problem during Sunday’s 2-2 El Clasico draw at the Nou Camp, the manger will not wrap his players in cotton wool.
He told a press conference: “I am not thinking about injuries or what can happen to the players before the Champions League final.
“Sometimes they need a rest, but I’m not worried about injuries. Playing whilst thinking about the injuries you can get is no good. You have to be positive.
“When what happened with Cristiano Ronaldo happened – and it was something minor – the best we could hope is that the player recovers as soon as possible and that’s that. It is football, you can’t control it.”
Zidane revealed Ronaldo was walking and could yet figure in the final league game of the season at Villarreal on May 20.
He said: “It would be perfect to have him back for the Villarreal game. It is a knock, but he didn’t damage his fibula. His ankle is okay.”
Real will run out at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium unbeaten in nine league games following their draw with Barca.
By contrast, Sevilla, who bowed out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage at hands of Bayern Munich, have won only once in eight LaLiga outings, and that was on Friday evening in a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad.
They are currently six points adrift of the top six and are likely to have to win all three of their remaining fixtures if they are to muscle themselves into the pack chasing the pace-setters.
French defender Sebastien Corchia has returned to training following injury and is eager to help his side finish the season on a high.
He told his club’s official website: “I feel really good now, well recovered and I’m ready to help the team.
“I’m eager to help the team because there are three matches left, three really important finals for the club. We want to win all three and qualify for Europe.
“I think with the fans, who are magnificent – an incredible support – it’s a crucial motivation.”
